The staff of the Center for Civic Education appreciates your hard work and dedication to teaching about the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Because of your participation in the We the People program, your students will acquire the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions neccessary to effectively participate in our constitutional democratic republic.

Every American should have the opportunity to explore and experience Washington D.C., our nation's capital. During your visit you will be provided with all of he necessary tools and resources to expose your students to learning beyond classroom walls that will enrich their lives, open their minds, and challenge them. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime experience.

Robert S. Leming, DirectorWe the People ProgramsCenter for Civic Education

“This year, taking advantage of the National Invitational and having my students come down to Washington, D.C., experience the government that they’ve been studying and then being able to defend their positions before a variety of really esteemed judges, I thought was a great culminating activity for everything we’ve done” - We the People Teacher, Rhode Island, 2014

"This event is one that I have been waiting for 10 years, ever since I started the classroom hearings. It was an awesome experience, both for my students, as well as myself. To give my students an opportunity to be part of a national competition, and experience Washington, D.C. all in the same trip, is one none of us will ever forget" - We the People Teacher, Oregon, 2013 Inaugural National Invitational

The hearings will take place in the classrooms at the National Conference Center. Every effort will be made to ensure that parents and guests have room to observe the hearings. To ensure that the hearings are not interrupted, parents and visitors will be admitted to the hearing room at appropriate break times (between units) and after the judges have left the room. Everyone is welcome to observe the hearings. However to ensure fairness, anyone affiliated with a competing class (teachers, coaches, students, chaperons, parents, friends, relatives, etc.) may not enter the hearing room of any other competing class. Once a class hearing is completed, floor supervisors and Center staff will help direct classes and visitors exit in a timely fashion.

Final Round

The final round of competition will take place on Monday, May 7, 2018. The hearings will be extended to 12 minutes (four minute opening statement and eight minutes of follow up questions). We hope to allow all classes to observe the final round.

Student Orientation Room:

On Saturday and Sunday there will be a twenty-five minute briefing for all classes before the hearings begin. Robert Leming, Director of the We the People Programs and Mark Molli, Director of Governmental Relations will officially welcome students, teachers, parents, and visitors to the 6th Annual We the People National Invitational and address the students about important matters concerning the competition. Upon arrival floor supervisors and Center staff will direct students to the Orientation room. If space is available, parents and visitors are welcome. At the end of the briefing, floor supervisors and Center staff will direct classes to their hearing rooms. Once all classes have been dismissed, parents and visitors will be directed to the hearing rooms.

Awards Ceremony:

The ceremony is the culminating event of the Sixth Annual We the People National Invitational. This is the time to celebrate the accomplishments of all of the students and teachers participating in the National Invitational. The Awards Ceremony will be in at the National Conference Center from 7:30-9:00 pm. on May 7, 2018. All students, teahers, parents, and guests are welcome to attend.